Microsoft Announces Availability of SQL Server 2014 CTP2

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by C&E Blogger

Microsoft Announces Availability of SQL Server 2014 CTP2

Today, Microsoft CVP Quentin Clark delivered the keynote to the Professional Association for SQL Server (PASS) Summit 2013 in Charlotte, North Carolina where he announced the availability of SQL Server 2014 CTP2, a near feature complete release which can be downloaded here. He also discussed how Microsoft is helping customers push the boundaries of their business by delivering a data platform that can tackle all types of data and accelerate time to insight by enabling infrastructure to run at the speed of business. This approach is further detailed in a Data Platform Insider Blog, authored by Clark.

PASS Summit 2013 News Highlights

  • SQL Server 2014 CTP2 delivers enhanced in-memory capabilities, including greater T-SQL compatibility, new indexes and advisory tools, and AlwaysOn support for In-Memory Online Transaction Processing (OLTP), formerly known as Project “Hekaton.” Announced at PASS Summit last year, In-Memory OLTP pushes the boundaries of database processing by delivering speed improvements of up to 30x and is built directly into SQL Server, so customers won’t need to buy a separate product, rewrite existing SQL Server applications, refresh hardware, or learn new skills.
  • CTP2 also delivers enhanced hybrid cloud capabilities with new features that make it easier for customers to back up and recover on premises SQL Server databases using Windows Azure, includingsimplified disaster recovery using Windows Azure for cost-effective, fast recovery, as well as simplified backup to Windows Azure and encryption for on-premises and cloud backups for greater data protection.
  •  Microsoft also announced a preview of the SQL Server Backup for Windows Azure Tool, a stand-alone download that quickly and easily configures to back up to Windows Azure Storage for versions of SQL Server previous to SQL Server 2014. A preview of the tool will be available this week for customers to download from the SQL Server 2014 CTP2 website.

For more information on today’s news, check out Clark’s post on the Data Platform Insider blog. To follow the news from PASS Summit, check out the live coverage and follow the conversation on Twitter at @SQLServer and #sqlpass.